GVSUs Berezik arrested in cop scuffle

ALLENDALE, Mich. (WOOD) - Grand Valley State University running back James Berezik has been suspended indefinitely following an arrest over the weekend.

According to Lt. Steve Kempker of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department, deputies were conducting one of their alcohol sweeps late Saturday night at the Copper Beach Apartments. The sweep is part of a 2008 $40,000 grant to the sheriff's department and the GVSU police department from the state of Michigan Office of Highway Safety and Planning.

Deputies came upon a party at an apartment in which Berezik was in attendance. They could smell alcohol on him and were going to arrest him for a minor in possession violation. Berezik then fled the scene on foot, through the parking lot, into the woods, and then a swamp area.

"I saw this guy running from the cops, and like six cops showed up," GVSU junior Megan Bostwick told 24 Hour News 8.

"There were cops everywhere. Some were walking around with students," said GVSU sophomore Molly Gagnon.

"We were just looking out the window, and I mean just down here there's probably about three or four SUV cop cars," said GVSU junior Rob Wissink.

Deputies followed and caught up with Berezik. One of the deputies tackled Berezik who Lt. Kempker says then hit that deputy in the face. Another deputy was also hit and suffered an injury to his lip.

Berezik was arrested for resisting arrest, assaulting an officer, and being a minor in possession of alcohol. He is also facing charges of larceny of police property after one of the deputies is missing a flashlight.

The 19-year-old spent the night in the Ottawa County Jail and was bonded out of the next day, the sheriff's office said.

Berezik is scheduled for a Dec. 17 court date in Hudsonville District Court.

Berezik is the Lakers leading rusher this season. He ran for 207 yards and three touchdowns in a playoff victory over Ashland (Ohio) University Nov. 22. Top-ranked and unbeaten GVSU will play unbeaten Minnesota-Duluth in the third round of the NCAA Division II playoffs Nov. 29.